Put A Little Doo-Wop In Your Writing
This is the definitive roster for the era of Doo-Wop. Such singles and groups as: The Avons, Hank Ballard, Dion and the Belmonts, The Bobbettes, The Cadillacs, The Chordettes, Danny and the Juniors, The Fleetwoods, The Four Seasons, The Platters, and more. Now you can really rock and roll or Jitterbug.
A bit of history though of how Doo-Wop got its name.
Although the musical style originated in the late 1940s and was very popular in the 1950s, the term "doo-wop" itself did not appear in print until 1961, in The Chicago Defender, just as the style's vogue was nearing its end. Though the name was attributed to radio disc jockey Gus Gossert, he did not accept credit, stating that "doo-wop" was already in use in California to categorize the music.
"Doo-wop" is itself a nonsense expression. In The Delta Rhythm Boys' 1945 recording, "Just A-Sittin' And A-Rockin", it is heard in the backing vocal. It is heard later in The Clovers' 1953 release "Good Lovin'" (Atlantic Records 1000), and in the chorus of Carlyle Dundee & The Dundees' 1954 song "Never" (Space Records 201). The first record to use "doo-wop" in the refrain was The Turbans' 1955 hit, "When You Dance" (Herald Records H-458). The Rainbows embellished the phrase as "do wop de wadda" in their 1955 "Mary Lee" (on Red Robin Records; also a Washington, D.C. regional hit on Pilgrim 703); and in their 1956 national hit, "In the Still of the Night," The Five Satins sang across the bridge with a plaintive "doo-wop, doo-wah."
If you purchased them back in the day, can you remember the first .45 you bought. Mine was this one for ninety-five cents … https://youtu.be/MT9QZBGyXjU
Now, kick back, relax, and enjoy over 200 songs from the Doo-Wop era!
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The Delta Rhythm Boys – 1945 - https://youtu.be/uAUTyeepHZI
Carlyle Dundee & The Dundees – 1954 - https://youtu.be/eiIiH3Cw1g4
We start with the Accents and interestingly enough there two groups with that name. The latter of the two songs was 1958 and the former, 1964, right near the period that Doo-Wop music ended.
With the Avon’s, there were three different groups.
The Accents: https://youtu.be/ShXJWjBlxf0
The Ad Libs: https://youtu.be/7HZ-Djf4qhc
The Alley Cats: https://youtu.be/tZrhYsW8leQ
The Angels: https://youtu.be/5NuofNHKbVc
The Aquatones: https://youtu.be/cRlJnfaHUCs
The Ardells: https://youtu.be/muTEZtgf46A
The Avons: https://youtu.be/DDYpr99FgEk
Hank Ballard: and the Midnighters: https://youtu.be/TYfnC4CgN-Y
The Dion and the Belmonts: https://youtu.be/2pwgswchPDo
The Bel-Airs: https://youtu.be/JLt2M3NBLdY - instrumental
Billy Ward and His Dominoes: https://youtu.be/rHRtrpW7FUo
The Blenders: https://youtu.be/n-lR-r86hyI
The Blue Jays: https://youtu.be/Iop63p3aVik
Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans: https://youtu.be/Vt84KoSaZR8
The Bop Chordshttps://youtu.be/is3wwJCwfD0
The Bobbettes: https://youtu.be/XoT_7lOS-vg
The Bosstones: https://youtu.be/PkP6f0HrEME - awesome dance moves
The Buccaneers: https://youtu.be/hTYSFy3QSZQ
The Cadets: https://youtu.be/4h9PbMucPXU
The Cadillacs: https://youtu.be/W_ZvuNSk3PQ
The Capitols: https://youtu.be/27PydomerjM
The Capris: https://youtu.be/uBLdo9hAGw0
https://youtu.be/nVAZ5O0WXYA - same group
The Cap-Tans: https://youtu.be/8OkChH6yXSY
The Casinos: https://youtu.be/PT9Xs42n4kg
Gene Chandler: https://youtu.be/QQnfooEED8Y
The Channels: https://youtu.be/2Zcxsl2DdN8
The Chantels: https://youtu.be/ZtZ6buR8VfU
The Charms: https://youtu.be/9rL6ozXjGO0
The Charts: https://youtu.be/Ib8ZG3UOq7w
The Checkers: https://youtu.be/mEZxHn7sqN0
The Chevrons: https://youtu.be/GrmCkDAQZpU
The Chiffons: https://youtu.be/rinz9Avvq6A
The Chimes: https://youtu.be/8-ZGFyBJ1k8
The Chips: https://youtu.be/kDRjsCUv2VI
The Chordettes: https://youtu.be/Fty3Nzc-oiY
The Chords: https://youtu.be/SBgQezOF8kY
The Classics: https://youtu.be/K1VSQHjIM1w
The Cleftones: https://youtu.be/8WQBrJ4JOWQ
The Clovers: https://youtu.be/egX9N8yOgaU - last song played at Friday night dances
The Collegians: https://youtu.be/Z_unxvNGo_s
The Contours: https://youtu.be/l3zJZ2d4cis
The Corsairs: https://youtu.be/EGDvR-7ughY
The Counts: https://youtu.be/GY3qhspE9zs
The Crests: https://youtu.be/E284QNyoJug - video is old, film is bad
The Crows: https://youtu.be/jf9SP84EgHY
The Crystals: https://youtu.be/v-qqi7-Q19k
The Cues: https://youtu.be/mBDqMDZnfxE
The Cufflinks: https://youtu.be/E7q3J8jM1lg
The Danleers: https://youtu.be/h8BTTS96XsM
Danny & the Juniors: https://youtu.be/F3SrtN6tMyg
The Darts: https://youtu.be/eS_n0epcF30
The Del Satins: https://youtu.be/QPWqdYTQONs
The Del-Vikings: https://youtu.be/kLdgqXYzlLQ
The Dells: https://youtu.be/Z1ozQT8yQXA
The Delta Rhythm Boys: https://youtu.be/ghVQ1TjZa20
The Devotions: https://youtu.be/6f6HP0OJvNs
The Diamonds: https://youtu.be/ysVLzXWnTzA
Dante & the Evergreens: https://youtu.be/HevAsXokCLE
Dion and the Belmonts: https://youtu.be/I0O_f3kzHrg
Don and Juan: https://youtu.be/kEqahC_rg34
Don Covay and the Goodtimers: https://youtu.be/JuyEtNaX684
The Dreamlovers: https://youtu.be/btB73GNcSdo
The Drifters: https://youtu.be/i3HXy9mGPpI - They had many good hits
The Dubs: https://youtu.be/qNFvZLnUr-M
The Duprees: https://youtu.be/XCeNCvwEFU8
The Dynamics: https://youtu.be/nAMV7uqmKyw
The Earls: https://youtu.be/wM_pQmGiC5I
The Earth Angels: https://youtu.be/pmgYyb_q5_c
The Echoes: https://youtu.be/aCClO1AtibE
The Edsels: https://youtu.be/m6JbemSdORo
The El Dorados: https://youtu.be/xAP_z-kEhgk
The Elegants: https://youtu.be/6CCLvy-02Ms
The Emersons: https://youtu.be/kS85RLlExpM
The Escorts: https://youtu.be/mc6LPxHSYNE
The Esquires: https://youtu.be/Cwwh-LuJ9UE
The Essentials: https://youtu.be/kKxABQXErqA
The Essex: https://youtu.be/BXpFsZ6DZrE
The Extremes: https://youtu.be/kV_DwDV9Lf8
The Falcons: https://youtu.be/J8HNDaPV7Cc
The Fiestas: https://youtu.be/IFpOxkToGNE
The Firebirds: https://youtu.be/t-jSWr5YYOc
The Fireflies: https://youtu.be/sbzD_O2Z_h0
The Five Discs: https://youtu.be/AIFz56r9DBo
The Five Keys: https://youtu.be/m1JYzegOdxg
The Five Satins: https://youtu.be/qlAbOl6O544
The Five Sharps: https://youtu.be/k7NcPs--olQ
The Flairs: https://youtu.be/gir0ksU2at8
The Flamingos: https://youtu.be/nrzusdilnKQ
The Fleetwoods: https://youtu.be/i_NcIjK6Jns
The Four Seasons: https://youtu.be/oc34p-71xts
The G-Clefs: https://youtu.be/kC4kBxkGntI
The Halos: https://youtu.be/IAAsxCUpLMI
The Harptones: https://youtu.be/lyGUyUgGF-8
Thurston Harris: https://youtu.be/B8j4mn4eF-c
The Heartbeats: https://youtu.be/3HQBDRSryUA
The Hollywood Flames: https://youtu.be/s4nfwamZdnE
The Impalas: https://youtu.be/9j0NXdt6ZdU
The Impressions: https://youtu.be/KOmd-WkJrSI
The Ink Spots: https://youtu.be/rvwfLe6sLis
The Innocents: https://youtu.be/O0BwqwbchoM
The Isley Brothers: https://youtu.be/nEjLFpU2pJ4
Jackie and the Starlites: https://youtu.be/OypB1Et9JdI
The Jarmels: https://youtu.be/a0wQU7fJEVQ
Jay and the Americans: https://youtu.be/D_W0Uu4Mua0
The Jesters: https://youtu.be/UnWij0JLhas
The Jewels: https://youtu.be/NhMp3s3l_DA
The Jive Bombers: https://youtu.be/BAh9yUqwDjk
The Jive Five: https://youtu.be/glOMdK8gfbo
Johnnie & Joe: https://youtu.be/sDpzLIeCYSc
Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge: https://youtu.be/49ptpy_lYww
Jimmy Castor: https://youtu.be/TdbN2rgBORA
Kathy Young and the Innocents: https://youtu.be/2yesRVy3s98
Kenny Vance and the Planotones: https://youtu.be/28GVPQYcd0I
The King Khan & BBQ Show: https://youtu.be/tdMII3JIhjQ
The Knockouts: https://youtu.be/4zciLgyxcOw
Richard Lanham: https://youtu.be/pyD5atlIGy4
The Larks: https://youtu.be/LZLpZtcMAoU
Lee Andrews & the Hearts: https://youtu.be/RgJN-BeyyjY
Lillian Leach & the Mellows: https://youtu.be/NazQcMwiASs
Little Anthony and the Imperials: https://youtu.be/MSF2oLgyV5M
Little Caesar & the Romans: https://youtu.be/5aH7NsW5QfI
Frankie Lymon: https://youtu.be/E9PNVUpI19A
The Majors: https://youtu.be/7qQrdTbvikM
Barry Mann: https://youtu.be/M2npNkOtdZk ... Out of sync
The Marcels: https://youtu.be/v0fy1HeJv80
The Marvelettes: https://youtu.be/OVsW_6AomOQ
The Marvelows: https://youtu.be/TOkNkbyxYPM
Marvin & Johnny: https://youtu.be/-tPjZOXNEXo
Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs: https://youtu.be/o1Z_hskvz1M
The Mello-Kings: https://youtu.be/TBOEzZA6YQQ
The Midnighters: https://youtu.be/pDGE4UD6cgI
The Miracles: https://youtu.be/DRd-bjFfjNc
The Mohawks: https://youtu.be/BYhiErp8um8 - Instrumental
The Monotones: https://youtu.be/OS1LFGGGazc
The Moonglows: https://youtu.be/l6Eu43RoaGQ
The Mystics: https://youtu.be/94VWNiOcss0
Nino and the Ebb Tides: https://youtu.be/H8hjyBuPSjo
Nolan Strong & the Diablos: https://youtu.be/bIVKaayaNaY
The Nutmegs: https://youtu.be/KOKYGzAhLQE
The Olympics: https://youtu.be/QIUzVGtxQCY
The Orioles: https://youtu.be/eEwcMvcWKgk - long before Elvis
Otis Williams and the Charms: https://youtu.be/SrbsYRe7BUM
The Orlons: https://youtu.be/nxYIgGB8o7w
The Paradons: https://youtu.be/oB2NF7QxiaA
The Paragons: https://youtu.be/sjcWJyKeScI - recorded by 8 people including Blondie
The Parliaments: https://youtu.be/hYou34ZNSHw
The Penguins: https://youtu.be/VJcGi4-n_Yw
The Platters: https://youtu.be/eDlcqhlzDqQ ... Smoothest group in the business - imho
The Premiers: https://youtu.be/gayhpUyz2os
The Quin-Tones: https://youtu.be/UeiMN71OBfc
The Quotations: https://youtu.be/LwsashkRWQg
The Radiants: https://youtu.be/tXgQc9E0yZs
The Raindrops: https://youtu.be/2aXqavXWLos
Randy & The Rainbows: https://youtu.be/-NUfX0ydoTE
The Ravens: https://youtu.be/afuHNPY_shw
The Reflections: https://youtu.be/yw5DyRO7Mx0
The Regents: https://youtu.be/gTffa6I27iA - before the Beach Boys
The Rivingtons: https://youtu.be/NFv-uc90-FM - funny
Robert & Johnny: https://youtu.be/wpaSmhWq0Uc
Rockin' Chairs: https://youtu.be/ED2rOugArSk
Ronnie & the Hi-Lites: https://youtu.be/Y4LXAQuO9qw
Rosie and the Originals: https://youtu.be/bu2dAQ3xb8s
Ruby & the Romantics: https://youtu.be/qw9RVjEN9OI
The Sensations: https://youtu.be/oHcdE2Ppr3s
The Shells: https://youtu.be/tUc1Am_RyvA
Shep and the Limelites: https://youtu.be/GJMeqjJBr9s
The Shirelles: https://youtu.be/0Z4FbRi2Rgk
The Showmen: https://youtu.be/hHHVWLMQFik
The Silhouettes: https://youtu.be/ysKhbaLyIFw
The Six Teens: https://youtu.be/cjhRVoIyvkE
The Skyliners: https://youtu.be/JKbAPnqo_QM - best falsetto of all time
The Solitaires: https://youtu.be/B3Qpqn2KyLI
The Spaniels: https://youtu.be/XdsEscSzp6E
The Stereos: https://youtu.be/3Kb4dADwNXo
The Students: https://youtu.be/YNHCnc9RzOY ’ Lead singer, Leroy King, 12, front left
Cosmo and The Sultans: https://youtu.be/WTxQmCf5qe0
The Swallows: https://youtu.be/Cv3_1CR84ZI
Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers: https://youtu.be/q96ylFiQK_I
The Tokens: https://youtu.be/ZgI4DdINQLQ - another great falsetto
The Turbans: https://youtu.be/WWB9ZXMsMDY
The Tymes: https://youtu.be/U1SngJTgtvY
The Valentines: https://youtu.be/L39hO0dYOQE
The Velvets: https://youtu.be/1gyz90zCGUY
The Velvetones: https://youtu.be/KvoQgejqdcY
Vito & the Salutations: https://youtu.be/HohhyGPC_tw
The Vocaleers: https://youtu.be/RUjdjh5eFdg
The Volumes: https://youtu.be/t80sAmKm1-A
Tony Middleton and The Willows: https://youtu.be/bSiB3gMM48I
The Wrens: https://youtu.be/sKvCNcp3riQ
Johnny Parker and the Zirkons: https://youtu.be/AN5z-l635Hs – has a beatnik sound
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Nonsense Syllables
Nonsense syllables were derived from bop and jazz styles, traditional West African chants, a cappella street corner singing (in place of the instrumental bass line), and doo-wop-styled r & b songs during the 1950-1951 period (e.g., the Dominoes' "Harbor Lights"). They were commonly used in the bass and harmony parts; their use tends to be more restrained, simple, and somber when employed in ballads ("doh-doh-doh," "doo-wah," etc.). The Chips' "Rubber Biscuit" (1956) represented a virtuosic application of this technique: one you can now practice all on your own, for here are just a few of the many forms of the “doo-wah” sound, found in many of the songs listed above either in long or short sounding syllable form.
Gow gow hoo-oo,
Gow gow wanna dib-a-doo,
Chick'n hon-a-chick hole-a-hubba,
Hell fried cuck-a-lucka wanna jubba,
Hi-low 'n-ay wanna dubba hubba,
Day down sum wanna jigga-wah,
Dell rown ay wanna lubba hubba,
Mull an a mound chicka lubba hubba,
Fay down ah wanna dip-a-zip-a-dip-a,
Mm-mh, do that again! (bass exclamation)
Gow gow lubba 'n a-bubba lubba,
Ow rown hibb'n 'n a-hibba-lu,
How low lubbin 'n a-blubba-lubba,
Hell fried ricky ticky hubba lubba,
Dull ow de moun' chicky hubba lubba,
Wen down trucka lucka wanna do-uh,
How low a zippin 'n a-hubba-lu,
Hell fried ricky ticky blubba-lu,
How low duh woody woody pecka pecka.
There will be test on Monday.
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The following music areas are coming soon:
Jazz and Big Band: 1935 -1945
The Disco Era
Rap and its History
The Classics from Johann Sebastian Bach, Igor Stravinsky, Ludwig van Beethoven,
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Claude Debussy, Gyorgy Ligeti, Gustav Mahler,
Richard Wagner and all points in between.
Also, I will create a collection once this is finished where all the music I have posted will be in one easy to find place.
Meantime … here are the links to all the songs posted thus far: (excluding a Valentine Day Music Post done last year.)
https://theprose.com/post/374306/more-music-while-you-write
https://theprose.com/post/373731/for-all-writers-who-are-music-lovers